Union Home Minister Amit Shah has responded in Malayalam to a letter from CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas, drawing attention amid ongoing debates on language use in central communication.
Brittas had written to the Home Ministry expressing concern over a notification that permits cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration based solely on a chargesheet. He argued that taking such action before a court delivers a verdict weakens due process and exposes OCI cardholders to arbitrary decisions. The MP urged the Centre to re-examine the rule and ensure that safeguards remain intact.
Shah’s reply formally acknowledged Brittas’s representation and stated that the issue had been forwarded to officials for further examination. What made the response noteworthy was the decision to write the entire letter in Malayalam — a rare move from the Union Home Minister, who typically communicates in English or Hindi.
The gesture has generated discussion across Kerala and other southern states. At a time when several regional leaders have voiced discomfort over what they see as increasing use of Hindi in official communication, Shah’s Malayalam reply is being interpreted as an attempt to show respect for linguistic diversity.
Political observers also view the move as part of the BJP’s broader outreach to Kerala, where the party is looking to strengthen its presence ahead of the next Assembly elections.
Brittas, who has consistently spoken about linguistic equality in Parliament, welcomed the Malayalam reply, calling it a positive step toward acknowledging regional identities and promoting a more inclusive approach to communication.
